FL’s visit relieves hard-up drivers

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos saw firsthand the hardship of struggling jeepney drivers during a visit to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) headquarters in Quezon City where she brought bags of rice to about 1,000 drivers and other transport workers.

“My voice cracked a bit when I saw our truck and jeepney drivers, both traditional and modern, and tricycle drivers. Because behind every vehicle is a hardworking Filipino driver who spends long hours on the road bringing people home, delivering goods to our communities, and helping keep our country moving,” the First Lady said in a Facebook post.

She said the government knows rising fuel prices are making each day even harder for transport workers and their families.

“Today was our simple way [shout out to LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao] of thanking you (drivers) for your hard work, your sacrifices, and your invaluable service to the country. And let us not forget that no matter how difficult the road may be, we must face it together. Together, we will rise. Together, we will move forward,” the First Lady said in English and Filipino.

This initiative follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ease the burden on the most affected sectors, including public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.

Persuasive presence

Pasang Masda national president Roberto “Ka Obet” Martin commended the program, saying their members were deeply grateful and thereupon they called off a planned transport strike.

“That 10 kilos of rice is a big help. If a family has five members, I think it would last about five days,” Martin said.

The initiative is also part of the rice assistance programs dubbed “Mula sa Puso, Para sa Pamilya (From the Heart, for the Family)” and “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang (Every Community Will Benefit),” which aim to reach millions of Filipinos nationwide.